Understanding Illicit Drugs

Illicit drugs refer to highly addictive and illegal substances such as heroin, marijuana and meth. While the decision to use one of these drugs for the first time is usually a voluntary one, an unexpected addiction can make the decision to quit later significantly harder.

An addiction to illicit drugs changes the way a person’s brain works, and consequently, the way they think and act.

The beginning of an illicit substance abuse disorder is marked by a physical dependence. This can be recognized by a tolerance to and withdrawal symptoms from the drug of abuse. Tolerance occurs when you need more of the substance to get the same effects as when you started. When a tolerance is established, a person may experience withdrawal when they stop using the substance. Withdrawal symptoms are severe and can include heart palpitations and seizures, depending on the type of drug used.

The second part of an abuse disorder involves a psychological dependence on the substance. This is characterized by a desire to stop using the drug, as well as prioritization of its use over social and familial responsibilities.

Get started on the road to recovery.

While a person suffering from an illicit substance abuse disorder recognizes the negative consequences of their drug use, they feel unable to stop on their own. The best way to overcome a dependence on illicit drugs is treatment at an inpatient rehab center.

At an inpatient rehab center, mental health professionals work closely with recovering individuals to uncover the root cause of their substance abuse, such as an undiagnosed behavioral disorder. During rehab, patients learn healthy and productive coping methods that not only help them maintain sobriety, but achieve a happier and more fulfilling life.

Types of Illicit Drugs

If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance abuse disorder, you’re far from alone. An estimated 23.9 million Americans aged 12 or older – approximately 9.2 percent of the population – had used an illicit drug in the month prior to a 2012 study. Rates of illicit drug use is highest among those aged 18 to 25.

Find information on the most common forms of illicit substances below.

Crack is the more pure and potent form of cocaine, which typically comes in solid blocks or crystals. Crack cocaine is typically smoked, allowing it to reach the brain more quickly and result in a short-lived – yet intense – high.

LSD, PCP, mushrooms and salvia are all examples of psychoactive or mind-altering drugs. While an addiction to this type of drug is less common than other drugs, use and abuse of these substances can cause severe negative side effects.

Heroin is an extremely addictive substance that is synthetically derived from the opium poppy plant. It comes in the form of white of brownish powder, or as a black and sticky substance known as “black tar.”

Inhalants include household items such as spray paints, markers and cleaning supplies which are inhaled through the mouth or nose in order to achieve a high. Inhaling certain types of these substances can lead to heart failure, resulting in death.

Meth is an extremely dangerous stimulant that can cause users to become instantly addicted. The short-term effects of meth include alertness and euphoria. However, long-term use of meth can lead to problems such as violent behavior and severe dental problems.

Synthetic marijuana refers to the growing number of manufactured substances that contain a chemical similar to THC. Although synthetic marijuana is marketed as a legal alternative, the substance’s effects can be unpredictable and more intense than its natural counterpart.

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Illicit Drug Effects and Abuse

Many illicit drugs pose serious health risks, even when taken in small doses. Some drugs can cause an addiction after a single use.

People who become addicted to certain illicit substances are at a high risk of overdose, which can be fatal. Many overdoses typically occur when a person relapses after trying to quit and returns to using the same dose. This is especially the case for individuals who consume illicit substances by means of injection.

Heroin is one such drug that poses a high threat of relapse and subsequent overdose. Sadly, the number of deaths related to heroin overdose has substantially increased in the last decade. In 2015, the approximate number of heroin overdose deaths was 14,000 – a seven-fold increase from just above 2,000 deaths in 2002.

Repeatedly using any type of illicit substance can impose short-and long-term consequences. Excessive substance use causes dramatic changes in the brain, which can disrupt a person’s psychological well-being. These changes may drive a person to behave differently than they would normally, causing them to make self-destructive decisions such as driving under the influence.

Other ways that illicit substance abuse can negatively impact a person’s life include:

Damages to relationships with family, friends and romantic partners

Trouble staying on top of daily responsibilities and social obligations

Coming in late, or missing a whole day of work due to drug use

Lacking motivation to maintain grades in school

Financial hardships due to spending large amounts of money to maintain a drug habit

Legal consequences of being caught in possession of drugs

19.8

million

In 2013, there were 19.8 million marijuana users aged 12 and over – up from 14.5 million in 2007.

595

k

The number of people who used meth in the United States increased from 353,000 in 2010 to 595,000 in 2013.

54

percent

Over half of the 2.8 million new users of illicit drugs in 2013 were under 18 years old.

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Treatment for Illicit Drug Addiction

If you think someone you know is struggling with illicit substance abuse, there are multiple options for treatment and recovery. Whether you choose to seek inpatient or outpatient treatment, finding a rehabilitation center is the key to recovery from a substance abuse disorder. Learn more about treatment options for your specific needs.

AddictionCenter.com is a referral service that provides information about addiction treatment practitioners and facilities. AddictionCenter.com is not a medical provider or treatment facility and does not provide medical advice. AddictionCenter.com does not endorse any treatment facility or guarantee the quality of care provided, or the results to be achieved, by any treatment facility. The information provided by AddictionCenter.com is not a substitute for professional treatment advice.